Tanya Smith-Sreen

Growing up overseas, my life has always centered around finding connections across constant change. Living in six countries and three continents by the time I was 18, I moved to the US to pursue a degree at American University in international studies, something that would enable me to continue pursuing those connections across cultures. While there I realized focusing on communications was one way to do just that in the international development sector.

Through multimedia and social media I designed storytelling initiatives in global spaces like the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN) and USAID/Kenya, where I worked with the Education & Youth office. In 2016 I embarked on my journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala, working with youth to teach life skills. This is where my passion for learning design was born. Here, my professional interests converged as I discovered the intersections between international development, multimedia, and education. In bringing these together, I also gained an appreciation for conducting community-based design to spur learning.

Upon my return to the US, I began working for FHI 360, an international development non-profit. Further immersed in the world of global education, I continued to see the value of user-driven, evidence-based programming. COVID-19 illuminated the urgency of designing such programs using technologies suited for low-resource contexts to reach learners, like my students in Guatemala.

Now pursuing my MA in Learning Technology & Experience Design at NYU, I am keen on returning to the international education space to design digital tools for learning. I believe we cultivate the connections we need to weave our different worlds together and create something meaningful. From international development to multimedia to education, I look forward to continuing to find these unexpected synergies.

Let's connect!

CV

TSS_Resume_Portfolio.pdf